What does "Look, the Lamb of God!" reveal about Jesus' sacrificial role? Setting the Scene—John 1:29 “ ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ ” John the Baptist’s shout is more than an introduction; it is a declaration loaded with centuries of sacrificial imagery and prophetic anticipation. Why Call Him “Lamb”? • Lambs were central to Israel’s worship life—innocent, gentle, offered in place of sinners. • By using this title, John links Jesus immediately to substitution, atonement, and deliverance. • The phrase announces that Jesus is not merely another teacher; He is the sacrifice God Himself provides. Echoes of Passover Exodus 12 sets the pattern: an unblemished lamb’s blood spared Israel’s firstborn. • Jesus fulfills the picture—“Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Just as Passover launched Israel’s redemption from Egypt, Jesus’ death launches redemption from sin and death. The Daily and Annual Sacrifices Find Their Goal • Morning and evening lambs (Numbers 28:3-4). • The Day of Atonement’s sin offering (Leviticus 16). All pointed to a permanent solution. Hebrews 10:4-10 explains that these repeated offerings could never fully remove sin, but Christ’s single offering does so “once for all.” The Lamb Foretold in Prophecy • Isaiah 53:7—“He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.” • Genesis 22:8—“God Himself will provide the lamb,” Abraham told Isaac. The provision arrives in Jesus. • Revelation 5:6—John’s vision sees “a Lamb, standing as if slain,” confirming the completed work. Spotless and Without Blemish • Sacrificial lambs had to be flawless (Exodus 12:5). • Jesus “committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22), qualifying Him as the perfect offering. • 1 Peter 1:18-19: “You were redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” “Who Takes Away the Sin of the World” • The Greek term airein means “to lift off, carry away.” Jesus removes guilt rather than merely covering it. • Isaiah 53:11—“He will bear their iniquities.” • His sacrifice is broad in scope—“the world”—offered to Jew and Gentile alike. A Once-for-All Sacrifice • Hebrews 7:27—“He sacrificed for sins once for all when He offered Himself.” • His death is final, sufficient, not to be repeated. • Believers live in the freedom of a finished atonement (Romans 8:1). From Sacrifice to Shepherd • The slain Lamb rises as ruling Shepherd (Revelation 7:17). • Those redeemed by His blood follow Him, secure in His care. Personal Implications • Assurance—our sin debt is fully paid. • Worship—esteem Christ as the ultimate Passover, our ransom. • Witness—invite others to behold the Lamb who alone removes sin. |
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